New York, NY—From the high-stakes environment of pre-hospital critical care to the complex world of surgical oncology, Bruno Rustico, DNP, FNP, is a rising star in advanced nursing practice, driven by a philosophy of continuous improvement and unwavering advocacy. A double alumnus of the George Washington University (GW) School of Nursing, Rustico recently capped his academic career with two prestigious honors and an appointment to one of the nation’s foremost cancer centers, all while successfully completing a doctoral project that is already revolutionizing patient outcomes.
Rustico, a Spring 2025 graduate of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program, has been named a 2025–2026 Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Fellow at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) in New York City. This highly coveted post-graduate training program will see him transition his expertise into the specialized realm of oncology, a fitting next step for a clinician who currently serves as a From the high-stakes environment of pre-hospital critical care to the complex world of surgical oncology, Bruno Rustico, DNP, FNP, is a rising star in advanced nursing practice in the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine.
The Journey to the Doctorate
Rustico's career trajectory is a testament to the value of building a strong clinical foundation. After earning his BSN from GW in Spring 2022, he plunged into high-acuity settings, working in the emergency department, on the trauma team, and in the intensive care unit. His experience as a Mobile Intensive Care Nurse (MICN) with Hackensack Meridian Health in New Jersey, functioning both as a critical care nurse and a 911 provider, provided a deep well of clinical knowledge—and, crucially, highlighted areas ripe for quality improvement.
"First becoming a nurse afforded me the opportunity to develop a rock-solid foundation for working with patients, understanding their needs, learning how to work within interdisciplinary teams," Rustico stated. The DNP/FNP was the "obvious next step" for an individual hungry for advanced education and committed to working to the fullest extent of his professional training. He credits GW’s School of Nursing as "more than an academic home," noting the welcoming and encouraging nature of the faculty that led him to return for his doctoral degree.
A DNP Project That Saves Lives
Rustico’s DNP research project, "An Education Initiative to Increase the Use of Video Laryngoscopy and Improve Prehospital Patient Outcomes," is a direct reflection of his on-the-ground experience. The project addressed the limitations of the traditional intubation technique, direct laryngoscopy (DL), which has been theorized to have higher incidences of hypoxia, increased attempts, and reduced success rates, specifically in critical pre-hospital settings.
Rustico identified a better alternative: video laryngoscopy (VL). This more advanced technique utilizes a fiber-optic camera and a screen, allowing for easier airway visualization and dramatically improved outcomes. His project developed an educational initiative for pre-hospital providers on the benefits of VL, the success of which was measured via retrospective chart reviews and provider feedback.
The results were compelling:
- Provider Confidence in intubation increased from 73.1% to 93.1%.
- First-Attempt Success Rates improved from 86.2% to 95.5%.
- Total Intubation Success Rates rose from 92.3% to a perfect 100.0% in all video laryngoscopy attempts.
- Hypoxia Rates decreased from 36.6% to 30.6%.
"This project was a total success," Rustico affirmed, attributing its realization to the mentorship of his primary advisor, Dr. Karen Whitt. His motivation for this research was rooted in a core belief: "Just because things have always been this way, does not mean they should remain this way. Medicine evolves, standards should never be static."
Clinical Excellence and New Horizons
The proven impact of his doctoral work earned Rustico the prestigious Outstanding DNP Project Award. This, combined with the FNP Clinical Excellence Award and the honor of being selected as the graduate student speaker at the May commencement, made his graduation a truly historic moment.
"To be recognized with both of these awards—while also being selected as the graduate student speaker—was one of the most meaningful honors of my academic career," Rustico reflected. He views the accolades as a reflection of the "collective effort" and the high standards of his cohort and the faculty.
His current position showcases the wide-ranging expertise of an FNP in a high-acuity setting. In the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, he manages the entire spectrum of a patient's surgical journey, from preoperative clearance and risk stratification to postoperative management of high-acuity and surgically complex oncology patients. He also provides procedural pain management through the Anesthesia Pain Service. His forthcoming NP Fellowship at MSK will immerse him in the specialized, evidence-based care required to treat the cancer population, a challenging field that will undoubtedly benefit from his DNP-level critical thinking.
Leadership, Policy, and the Future of Nursing
Earning his DNP has profoundly altered Rustico’s approach to his career, opening a world of engagement in policy and practice evolution.
“I have been welcomed into a world of respected academics and professionals who are eager to shape the policy and practice landscape of the future,” he said. The doctoral education instilled a deeper understanding of not only how to conduct research but “why it matters,” an essential component for evidence-based clinical decision-making.
For Rustico, the DNP is not merely about the letters after his name, but about the impact he can have on healthcare policy, practice, and the future of the profession. His professional philosophy is one of constant self-challenge and dedication, encapsulated in his graduation speech: “May we lead with wisdom, serve with humility, and advocate with conviction.”
Looking ahead, he plans to continue his policy engagement and advocacy, and ultimately envisions a return to academia in a faculty position to "contribute to the same program that allowed me so many incredible opportunities." He is determined to demonstrate the indispensable worth of advanced practice nurses across diverse settings, thereby "guaranteeing our standing among respected and dedicated healthcare professionals for decades to come."
Life Beyond the Hospital
To maintain perspective and avoid professional burnout, Rustico emphasizes the importance of time outside of work. An avid traveler, he and his family have committed to visiting every U.S. National Park, viewing the exploration of different cultures as a vital way to "enrich your understanding of the diversity and complexity of the many patients and colleagues we meet with every day." Recent international travels included Amsterdam, France, London, Dublin, Vancouver, and Colombia, with plans for Chile, Argentina, and the Virgin Islands in 2026. He is also taking on his first half-marathon, a commitment to personal challenge that mirrors his professional drive.
His advice to prospective advanced practice students is straightforward: “It is a decision you will never regret.” He encourages them to think of the DNP not as a final accomplishment, but as the “beginning of all the opportunities and experiences that will open up for you.”
With his blend of high-acuity clinical experience, demonstrated research success in quality improvement, and a strong commitment to policy and advocacy, Bruno Rustico is poised to be a powerful force in redefining the delivery and excellence of healthcare.